Performing artists come to the Vineyard to refresh themselves creatively and develop new work, and Island audiences see exciting performances in return: new plays, musicals and even ice-skating dancers from Canada.

Alexandra London-Thompson returned to the Tisbury Amphitheatre this summer as the director of Much Ado About Nothing, which had its premiere last Thursday evening. Ten years ago she starred alongside her husband in the same play, the last time the MV Playhouse produced the show.

Shelagh Hackett, Paul Munafo, Kenny Romero and Molly Conole are working on a 24-song cabaret at the Vineyard Playhouse, a reunion for the four singers. Wicked Good Cabaret takes place Saturday, Jan. 24.